​The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department hosted hundreds of people with disabilities today for its annual commemoration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This year's theme is 'Transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all'.
 
The day is about promoting an understanding of the challenges facing people with disabilities and mobilising support for their dignity, rights and well-being, but also celebrating those who have triumphed against all odds and who serve as role models for everyone else. 

‘These days having a disability should not be the barrier it once was. However, the needs of people with disabilities are sadly often overlooked. Raising awareness around these needs is key to ensuring fair opportunities, both socially and in the workplace.

'Our commemoration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities and our other interventions during the rest of the year are designed to raise awareness and tackle stereotypes and myths,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.
 
The City has introduced a number of interventions across various departments to address the needs of people with disabilities. The Disaster Risk Management Centre has designed a family disaster preparedness plan specifically for people with disabilities.

The Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department provides training and employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme where candidates are trained and placed at various organisations to do administrative tasks.

More than 150 people have participated in this programme since 2015 and 40% of them are now permanently placed or have gone on to further learnerships and training opportunities.

  An entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities was introduced in 2015, with training in cellphone and bicycle repairs as well as sewing.

Successful candidates receive a starter kit ‘business in a box’ and follow-up support after the training is completed.
 
The Department has also taken its disability awareness play to more than 300 schools and 67 000 learners since 2015.
 
‘We cannot allow anyone to be left behind and in the case of people with disabilities, we need to re-examine our attitudes and contribution. This is a whole-of-society issue. I encourage corporates and communities to help us ensure dignity and a fair shot for those with special needs. Every little bit helps and if we all do a little, we can achieve a lot,’ added Alderman Smith.

In addition to the education, awareness and work skills training, the City offers rebates to organisations and homes catering for the health and well-being of physically and mentally challenged individuals and other vulnerable groups.
 
‘We appeal to non-governmental organisations to approach the City to find out what assistance they qualify for in terms of rebates.

'We are committed to expanding and improving our programmes, strengthening our communities, and breaking down the barriers for people with disabilities. We have made great strides in building an inclusive city for all, but we’ve further underlined this priority in our Organisational Development and Transformation Plan,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Area East, Councillor Anda Ntsodo.
 

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